Those Darn Bad-Luck Bowls

There are some baseball fields we just call “bowls” because they are situated at the bottom of a park ringed with banks of grass where fans could sit and watch the action from most of the sides of the field. For the longest time, the Pittsville “bowl” was our perennial nemesis, almost always knocking the Royals out of the postseason playoffs—while exhibiting highly vocal, annoying behavior from their dugout.

Somehow conferences and possibly divisions have realigned in recent years. So this season, after soundly defeating Gresham in round one of Regionals, we headed to Iola-Scandinavia. My old stomping grounds if you recall me blogging about our 100-mile round trip to work for a dozen years.

As someone with certain sports superstitions, I immediately recognized the similar “bowl” setup to P-town. That was unnerving right away.

But the game was so close. Not a runaway score by either team. We were ahead by 2 then the Thunderbirds caught up. Then we’d make a mini-surge, but they’d catch up. It came down to the last batter for the home team. And they ended up defeating us 6-5 and knocking us out of the playoffs in what was one of our better season record years of late.

For me, though, the fun was running into some of my “Iola people”!

I left the publishing house some 10 years ago now. But Cori the ticket taker who worked at the Fitness Center there remembered me!

Then I ran into Miss Mandy, one of Carter’s first daycare people in Iola. And her mother, Judy, who worked with Jim and I at Krause. Just great to get long overdue (though you didn’t realize they were overdue) hugs!

Of course I then had to check out some of our favorite haunts…

Including Carter’s favorite ice cream place Shivers. Per usual, a long summer line.

Then I took the route home through Scandinavia, which always seems like I just earned another stamp on my passport. If only! Still, all was a great reminder of how we can forge great bonds in the workplace when we work in a friendly community and we, by nature, are friendly too.

Side note: I absolutely do not miss that commute.

Side note 2: Thank you, seniors! What a great season!

And Just Like That... HEAT!

You know I am mostly solar powered. But stepping out of the car IN LONG PANTS at the softball diamond after work, I really wished I would've checked the forecast this morning!

That was a brutal few hours. Thankfully, our Lady Royals defeated Hilbert 10-1 in round one of the Regional playoffs and will advance to the next round. Still, it took quite a few minutes for me to cool down when I got home.

Side note: Hubby finally didn't need to wear long underwear to golf! That's how crazy Midwest weather changes from week to week (and day to day).

I will not need to turn my electric mattress pad on tonight... for the first time in 2026. 

Unless hubby really cranks the A/C, that is!

I never claimed to be normal. Stay hydrated and be safe out there!

They're Back

Two things were back today! First BINGO returns to Assumption for the spring season. Had over 100 people so bigger jackpots were on the line. My dobber, however, must have still been on Christmas vacation. Did not want to do much work today. Above is the closest I got to the final coverall jackpot – and frankly, that's not close. 

Still, I had fun!

The second things that's back today is Mr. Sun. Yeah! That does not mean it was warm out by any stretch of the imagination. Still, when I looked out the windows and saw a pinkish hue, I knew there was a decent sunset close by.

Stepped out on the front deck and yessirree! So beautiful!

How lucky are we to live in a world where beautiful sunrises and sunsets can make us forget for one minute the harshness of winter. And, frankly, the harshness or the world right now.

Soak it in and be careful out there!

Facing My Fears

Who knew that this year's senior portrait sessions would make me face some of my fears? But I have netted good results as a result of this bravery.

Last evening I bravely climbed a 12-foot step ladder to shoot from above the basketball rim. And it was gold!

Lot's of deep breathing exercises with that one and perhaps some old-fashioned Lamaze breathing for good measure.

This evening, emboldened by my realization that heights don't automatically kill you, I walked on this old elevated railroad bridge and caught a great silhouette of one of our best hoops players at Assumption. After that, I literally did some rock climbing by the river for another set of shots. I'm either brave or stupid. But I survived. And the customer will be happy in the end.

I cannot wait to go through all the frames of these kiddos (OK, close to adults) but I've got two more nights of sessions before I'll have time. 

I love this time of year. I love putting these young people in their best light. Even if they didn't know it existed. 

And heck, look at me all brave and stuff! Personal growth for the win!

BING-Oh Shucks

Like the meme above illustrates, I was pretty excited to go to BINGO at Assumption today. The progressive jackpot was $4,000+ AND I had a special guest.

Thanks to peer pressure from a few of our friends, Mr. "Hard No" at BINGO came along today for what he called his first – and last – time. He did have fun visiting with the guys, but that was about it. 

One of our group of 8 won a game, but had to share winnings with other winners. The 50-50 prize was $900 and none of us won that. As for the progressive blackout jackpot, that pot is going to keep growing for the next session on March 2. 

Knowing hubby has no interest in the game, I'll just keep my mammoth winnings to myself when I surely win in March! Ha.

I still had fun. And it's always fun to have friends there, too. Being losers together is a good bonding experience!

The rest of the day was recliner time watching golf and I guess some racing. I think I fell asleep for that part. No sense doing anything too exciting. We're plunging into a deep freeze, so I'm just snuggled in my chair and counting down to bedtime at this rate.

I used to say that just because I play BINGO doesn't mean I'm old. But counting down to bedtime at 6 p.m. might count!

Bundle up and have a good week!

Weathering the Round

It was a crazy day of on and off rain. So I was glad the rain clouds took a pause for golf league and our 4:50 p.m. tee time. But don't give Mother Nature too much credit. Because it was chilly and windy!!

Still... any day on the golf course is better than... you name it!

Tonight was fun because we played against a fun team and my golf partner was celebrating – or at least acknowledging – her retirement. We have official celebration plans Saturday night. Still... yay for her. And I'm so jealous!

Didn't have the greatest round but we only got sprinkled on a few times (thank you, clouds, for keeping on moving) and I got home by my bedtime.

Yup, it's early. But I have an early alarm tomorrow to head down to Madison for state softball. Let's go, Lady Royals!!

P.S. I guess you know what I'll be blogging about tomorrow night! 💙🥎

Frozen Fun

With a wakeup call below zero, it was so hard to get out of bed! But I managed to bundle up and head to Stevens Point, where is was probably one degree colder.

My challenge actually came after work when I headed to the Pacelli-Assumption-etc Co-op team play hockey. I definitely warmed up my car several minutes before leaving the parking garage. Thank goodness for covered parking even though there was no snow this time!

Even though it was senior night, it was a small crowd due to the sub-freezing temperatures, I'm sure!

I still managed to bond with Mr. Zamboni between periods 1 and 2. But after 2, I left. My lovely cold for the past several days couldn't tolerate the cold air. We were tied 1-1 when I left. But have since found out we lost 3-1.  Now I'm really glad I could be there for the beginning parts.

And glad me and my health are surviving this Polar Vortex so far. Good luck to you, too!

TGiF feativities

Since I had today off,  I continued my quest for holiday spirit in multiple ways. After getting all cards sent out  to those who sent us greetings, we had a little free time in the Plover-Stevens Points area acknowledging little and large Christmas greetings.

In a nutshell, we had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings... but thought of what else we had to do today. Later we were at Feltz Dairy Farm then Home Depot thinking the same thing.

I just wanted a laser leveler thing and we both just wanted the Royals to beat Auburndale. We're watching so we'll see if that's the next thing on our wish list to come true!

Winning. Sort of.

So Assumption volleyball had their "Spike it to Cancer" pink night and that included a bunch of raflle baskets. As a supporter of the Royals and cancer research, I think I put a ticket in just about all of their 35 raffle baskets.

And I won one!

It's like a cereal and customized kitchen towel package. I 100% can't argue with this first towel. Neither can my son. Cereal for supper is a close second to popcorn. That's all I'm saying.

I love this one. But that's when it dawned on me that this special prize might be suited for someone else.

Then the clincher. No, not the towel, but the two snack cups for children 12 months old and older. 

I kind of feel guilty for winning is now. Leave a comment if you want to be in a drawing for my basket! Do it soon before the cereal expires!

Or I could just give you the snack cups and eat the cereal during a "time without a kitchen."

Don't Stop Believin'

Not all good streaks are good ones. But most are meant to be broken. I was devastated the other day when I broke my 136-day Wordle-solving streak. Dang. But today the streak on my mind – and every lifelong Twins fan's mind – was the fact that we made it to the playoffs but hadn't won a post-season game since 2004. 

Do the math. 19 years!! Uff da. The mantra has been "We Believe" we can break that streak. Would faith be enough?!

Thankfully, even though I had work meetings all day in Stevens Point, we got done in time for me to catch the 3:30 p.m. game. I had to laugh because one of my sports apps on my phone notified me of Royce's homerun before the pitch was even thrown on TV!  I had extra minutes of excitement there.

But thanks to phone apps, I could keep track of the final nail-biting (well, c'mon, it was a stressful streak) innings while I shot pictures of middle school football then volleyball. This is my "I've been busy and now have to catch up on fall sports pictures" week.

Still... fall ball is my favorite. C'mon, Twins, let's keep this going!

Oh, and since we were in the mood to make or break history today, we had a record high! Even if I want to "believe" that will continue, I know by Saturday's football game the high will be 50. Uff da again!

Be careful out there. And GO TWINS!!!!

Sizzlin' Friday in More Ways Than One

Getting up to 90-plus degrees today wasn't even the hottest point of the day. Nope that happened about 7:15 a.m. when I stepped out of the shower. And SIZZLE... the lights went off.

While I didn't look for a carcass, we're guessing it was a squirrel who ventured into the electrical box at the end of our driveway – knocking out power on our side of the street. Sorry, neighbors! Wasn't sure what was wrong until you see the corrected version and realize the top popped right off of one of the coils and was just hanging there.

See what I mean? Thank goodness we have an electrician in the neighborhood to explain things. 

My first thought after lights out was how as I going to open the garage door when I actually had to head to Stevens Point and work today. Second thought was how am I going to curl my hair? Thankfully, we had new – much lighter – garage doors installed a few years ago so it wasn't a big deal to pull the red cord and manually open it.

Also thankfully this morning was going to be a video shoot at the golf course so I could just dress like a golfer and that means.... wear a hat. Yay. Problem solved.

It was fun to tool around SentryWorld and see where things are at, just days before the U.S. Senior Open. 

The merchandise tent is ready with lots of cool clothes and fun things like golf ball-looking bouncy balls. I might have to cave and buy!

Hot humid days means the famous Flower Hole is coming together.

And I got to check out the view on the 18th hole that hubby and I will have when I take him there next Saturday for our anniversary. I'm a pretty awesome wife.

Worked from home the rest of the day then went to the Legion baseball game. The 17U team is hosting their tourney this weekend and Jim had baseball players on both the Rapids and the Plover teams. I suffered through the heat of the first game then came home.

And then it started to downpour. Missed out on that. Yay. Lord knows we need the rain. 

Not sure when they'll resume play at the Legion Tournament but check it out Saturday. It's free entertainment all weekend.

Be careful out there, everyone. And hydrate!!

Monday Funday

They always say Sunday Funday but never consider Monday can be fun, too. I mean once the work day is done and stuff.

It was nice today that I had my 6-week hair appointment right after work and that gave me time to stop in at the WR Legion game. With nice hair, let's point out. This time the 16U team was playing – which had one former Royal, one Royal, and one boyfriend of a Royal. Ha.

Got some pictures, saw some friends and was home in plenty of time to do photos and relax.

This is my fave pic of the night. Just crawling and flying simultaneously back to first base so he's not tagged out. And yes, he was safe.

Our team lost by 1 to Merrill but I'm glad I could get there. I figure I have one more age group to hit, then I'm free from my self-imposed obligation to get Legion baseball pictures. Don't get me wrong. I love ANY day at the ball park. But sometimes I just like to WATCH.

Good luck the rest of your season, Ramblers!

Winter Skates on Out of Here

Had a spontaneous change of plans today and it turned out to be cold (like winter) but pretty entertaining.

A couple of figure skating moms had offered me a free ticket to their annual show this weekend. I declined because I thought it was Friday and Saturday. Since there was one final show today at 1 p.m., I accepted the kind offer from the neighbor and decided to go.

One of the little girls from church – well now a high schooler – was in it and had a solo so that was awesome to see. Then there were at least a half dozen Assumption students of different ages skating. That was cool to see, too.

The theme was Out of This World so all the song selections were related to the sun, moon, stars, or space. That takes a lot of creativity. 

Of course with the lights off and spotlights only, trying to capture decent pictures took some creativity, too. At least I got a few of the girls I wanted to. Here's a few so you see the different ages and abilities...

Appropriate that it was chilly in there just so we wouldn't think winter was completely out the door. Pretty sure that's it for me inside the skating rink until hockey in the fall.

Until we meet again, Mr. Zamboni. Be sure Old Man Winter is on board when you ride out!

Ice Time

While the last 48 hours have included routine applications of icing hubby's knee, I got some of my own ice time today. Yup. That's me and Mr. Zamboni reuniting for another season!

Our Pacelli-Assumption co-op team was hosting the Blizzard team from back home – a team of combined players from Luck, Frederic, Siren, Webster, and Grantsburg (where my cousin Tyler goes to school). Since a few of my cousins would be there, I did some wrangling with the patient care so I could be gone a few hours.

Yup, my sister-in-law agreed to Jimmy-sit for a while. Thanks, Sherry!

It was great to see Rachael and her son Luke, who goes to UW-Stevens Point and played in the pep band at the game today. Fun!

Since it was my first game of the year to shoot and I wanted to capture some players from both teams, I ended up taking about a thousand pictures. Haha. Not kidding. I'm done editing and uploading now. Here's a few of cousin Tyler ...

He looks a bit like my cousin – his Grandpa Gene!

Pacelli ended up beating them 7-2 but at least my cousins got to hang around the area for the night instead of hitting the road for that lovely 4-hour drive home. 

My time with them was short since I had to get home to my slowly-but-surely improving patient. Hopefully we'll turn a corner tonight and he'll get some sleep. I may or may not have random hockey dreams. Br-r-r-r.

Be careful out there and watch for ice!

Frost Warning

Woke to a "feeling" of freezing temperatures. And tonight we'll actually probably get there! Frost warnings are in abundance.

Is it wrong that I am just leaving all my hanging flower baskets and potted flowers outside to die? I hope it's not breaking any sort of floral rules. They're on their last blooms anyway. And frankly, it's too cold to stand outside watering them.

That does sound selfish when I put it in writing. 

I promise you I am better with humans. I swear!

Though I'll admit it's tough to get out in the cold for the ones I did not give birth to. A chilly afternoon to shoot middle school football. But I just hadn't made it to game yet and this was their last home game. A nail-biter too. It ended in a tie, which I guess is how it works in middle school. I didn't entirely mind getting into my warm car again.

I stopped at tennis on my way home. By then my camera protested it was too cold. And getting dark. So I came home, drank hot tea, and edited my pix. My mattress pad is on high and I am about to snuggle under the covers until the temp is above freezing again! 

Or 6:15 a.m. Whichever comes first.

Bundle up and be careful out there! 

That's Promising

Seeing a rainbow that's trying to be a double rainbow is a pretty good way to end the weekend. Hopefully an omen of good things to come. More of God's promises.

Although the rainbow means it obviously rained – on and off all day – there were still bright spots today.

I had my first meeting with a confirmation student who I'm going to mentor over the next 6 weeks until confirmation. We'll meet once a week and go through some guided study and, if it's like today, a whole lot of conversation. You never know how it's going to go with a teenager. This girl is refreshing. Deep in her faith already and smart as a whip. This is going to a good thing to do. I'm feeling good!

Got home after our meeting in time to see the pathetic purple come from behind to beat the Lions. Ohmigosh, the Vikes looked awful. But ugly wins till count!

Tonight I finished going through the football pictures from yesterday. A few favorites...

A stocking-footed touchdown! Second time this season, I think, that he's lost a shoe. Hey, the score still counts.

Nick is a beast of a running back. Love when he leaves defenders lying in his wake.

Gotta love it!

Manny is another tough running back who's hard to take down.

And a fan (and team) highlight...

Our 6'1" 301-pound lineman intercepts a pass and takes it to the house!! Who knew he could run that fast?! It was awesome and his teammates and the fans were loving it! Way to go, Kenny! 

Rainbows, touchdowns, victories, and promising teenagers. Find what makes you smile and hold it close this week!